Walle!

It's a fine day with clear weather on the Crossing Road in the Midway Forest.  Nearby the sound of combat can be heard.

"Take that, fiend!" calls the voice of a Shifter woman.

Bwhoof!  Her magical sword burst sounds like a huge object being swung through the air!

"Gree!" a dog-sized ant-like creature answers as it reels back and prepares to retaliate!

  Kyle was familiar with the sounds of battle by now, although honestly he has yet to actually hear the phrase 'take that, fiend' put to use.  Still, overly agressive wildlife was everyone's problem as tempting as it could be to simply walk by.  So Kyle grasped his oversized axe from it's place upon his back.

  He stepped through the bushes and brought his axe down in a perfect arc to decapitate a large animal... So of course it buries itself in the ground a short ways from the merely dog sized ant.

  "Well, that is embarrassing."

The bug monster chomps at Mittens, but its mandibles dripping with acid deflect against an unseen magical barrier!

A girl wrapped in tan robes lined in red walks to the scene. "Eagle!" she calls, her voice echoing across the trees. An ethereal eagle appears and slams into the ant, crushing it in its talons. As the eagle does this, the others near the eagle feel a little thicker-hided somehow.

The girl is coming closer.

---

Protecting Strike v ant. Hit(21)!
 dmg: 9
 allies adjacent to spirit or within 3 of Mialee gain Con mod (3) thp.

"Ohai, helpful passers-by!" Mittens says all cheerful.

Another bug monster crawls up from the hole!

"Oop!  Not done yet, it seems.  AEGIS OF SHIELDING!"

She points her sword and a rune appears over the bug.  She then steps forward and Bwhoof!  Another sword burst!  Results less impressive than the special effects.

  Kyle comments back to girl who ran head first into a twigs display "Thank you for taking care of that for us."

  That said, Kyle know how big a target he's actually working with this time.  So he simply lifts his Axe up, and let's gravity do the work for him skillfully cuts the bug in half lengthwise.  Which of course is swiftly replaced... A lot.

  "I get the feeling this could take a while, if we either can't outrun the bugs, or don't close that hole well enough."

---

Free: Shroud.
Standard: Leaping Shade vs bug.  = CRUNCH.

Half a dozen more monster bugs crawl up from the hole and attack, but both Mittens and Kyle are able to avoid injury!

The girl responds, "Lle ier creoso, mellon."
English Sub for Kyle: "You are welcome, friend."

The eagle comes around and crushes another with its talons. The girl (she looks like she is either a petit lady, or a 12-14 year old trying to pass themselves off as a woman) begins walking around the trees, keeping the others between herself and the ants.

---

Protecting Strike. Hit(15)!
This message was last edited by the player at 05:14, Sat 31 Aug 2013.

Whoosh!  Mittens swings her sword and one of the bugs ten feet away drops dead.

"That...  Was supposed to be more impressive."

Whoosh!  Another swing and three more drop dead.  Satisfied, Mittens steps forward.

"Tell me you speak Common...  'Cause I sure as heck don't speak Le ear crisco.  Oh.  And Aegis of Shielding."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:21, Sat 31 Aug 2013.

  Kyle says "The language of violence seems to be holding up so far as a stand in, but she says you're welcome."  Manners on the battlefield is also something he hasn't seen before, how nice.

  He jumps backwards into the back of the screen and then comes out the other side to <s>Punch Sub-Zero in the head<s> crush one of the bugs like a Well Duh with the flat of his axe.

---

Free: Shroud.
Move: Shadow step.
Standard: Leaping vs bug = splat.

Four more appear and attack!  One manages to break through Mittens' magical shield and tears a nasty gash in her leg, but the wound doesn't seem quite as bad as it should be thanks to the shaman's shielding power!

---

Mittens HP: 29=6=23

The girl walks towards Mittens while the spirit eagle flies to intercept the ant hole. In broken Common and with a thick accent, the girl says, "I speak; Common. Little." then a spirit bear materializes and roars with such power, one of the ants trembles to death. Mittens and Kyle feel even thicker-hided than before.

---

Thunder Bear's Warding. Hit(14)!

Mittens and Kyle now have resist 3 as well as 3 thp.

"Nice!  Putting the spirit eagle on top of the hole!"

Mittens to the side, blasts all but one of the bugs into the buggy afterlife, and marks the last remaining one.

"Love that nifty teleport move.  Uh...   person who's name I don't know yet."

  At least this Kyle probably has some excuse for not giving out his name first thing.  "Sorry, I've not managed to pick up the habit of remembering to share names while things are trying to kill me.  Though you appear to be doing most of the work."

  Kyle hefts his axe, then swings.  The axe engulfed in shadows and stretching out to exterminate the last visible bug.  He takes a moment to see what else is coming, and see's for the moment at least there is nothing trying to kill them.  "So then, I am Kyle.  Care to return the social favor?"

The girl goes to peer over the edge of the hole to make sure no more ants are coming. When she is satisfied the ants that WERE going to come are all done coming, she turns to the others and starts walking to them, stretching her left arm out for the spirit eagle to land on before bringing her arm closer to herself. "Turanathel Mialee Shinueli"

From what Kyle can tell, either what she just said isn't elven, or it's some form of elven he hasn't heard before. But it was said while directed to both Kyle and Mittens.

"Of course!" Mittens answers, striking a heroic pose, "I am Mittens!  Sword Wizard of little renown!  Aaaand don't know what the elf just said.  Broken Common, please.

"Now.  Considering how close this lair of monsters was to the road, I'm thinking that perhaps whomever is responsible for keeping this road safe would be willing to pay a reward for the slaying of these monsters and for information on where the hole they came out of is.  Might I suggest an even three-way split should there be a reward?"

She gets to looting trophies off the dead bugs.  Maybe they're valuable to somebody?

  This Kyle may only have a 10 Int instead of an 18, but he's still making the guess that Mialee was saying her much more fancy than himself or... Mittens?...   Fancy Elf Name, yes.

  "While the circumstances were unpleasant, you three have been nice to meet at least."  Why yes, Kyle is counting the spirit animal.  Anyone who can claw your face off is worth mention right?

  He considers Mittens's outlook, and says "While I would not say no to that split, I would be honestly surprised if we were not simply sent off with a 'thank you for performing a civic duty' and shown to the door."

Mialee's eyes dart from Mittens to Kyle as they talk. Her expression is that of one who is trying to keep up with people who are talking too fast. Mialee holds up her right hand. "Please. I speak common. My name is: Turanathel Mialee Shinueli."

She then presents the eagle. "Her name: Astald."

She bows slightly. "I come. I... split? reward."

"I know, right?" Mittens says in response of Kyle's expectations.

She smiles at the elf and thumbs-ups!

"Nice to meet ya!  Maybe money!  Follow me!"

She marches toward the most likely direction to take her to a place that will reward her good deed.

  Kyle's occasional love of large words now makes him feel awkward, but only slightly.  "You deserve it just as much as I would, sorry if I am taking things too fast."  There is no possible good way to suggest maybe you'll talk slower for the sake of language barrier.  <elven>"Feel free to ask me questions in Elven.  Would you prefer I use your whole name, or part of it?</elven>

OOC EDIT: Rough Draft of Assassin Kyle put up.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:39, Sat 31 Aug 2013.

Mialee starts following the two. When Kyle directs his attention to her, Mialee ohs and smiles. <Elven>"I'm sorry about my lack of Common. I didn't have reason to learn it until recently, so I'm still learning. I'm still studying it, so I should be able to speak it well enough eventually."</Elven> She has a soft and slow way of talking, sounding like someone who enjoys maintaining serenity. <Elven>"People have many nicknames for me. But Shinu sounds too much like the Common word for Sinew. Turan sounds too masculine. Some have used the first and third part of my name to call me Tushi. The middle part of my name, Mialee, sounds almost like a name a human would have. So... Tushi or Mialee, as you wish."</Elven>

She glances at Mittens and gives an apologetic bow. "Sorry. Still learning Common. Kyle speaks Elven."

"Use common as much as possible, please," Mittens requests, <mystery language>"Isv si geou filki ukrisir persvek ekess wux."</mystery language>
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Sun 01 Sept 2013.

  Kyle nods,  "I think I'll go with calling you Mialee then, if that is allright."

  Kyle comments to Mittens "I can understand wanting to stick with the language everyone knows.  Though a language only one of us knows is probably worse, even if you may just be speaking made up gibbirish to prove a valid point.  Mialee won't get practice if she keeps talking with me in her own language either.  He looks back to the Elf  "But if there is something important you can't find the common words for, let me know the easy way."

  Hearing the Elven for 'Holy crap Lich!' was likely better than hearing Common 'Bad skelly man!'.

Mialee only seems further confused by Mittens speaking draconic.

Fast-forwarding a bit, the group arrives in town. Seeing a human? No biggy. Elf? Say, that's interesting and she's kinda cute CATGIRL! The town guards eye Mittens with suspicion. "Halt! Identify yourselves!"

Mits grins that Kyle and Mialee are willing to accommodate her lack of Elven tongue.  "Thanks!"

Once at the town Mits grins and strikes a heroic pose.  "We are the Highway Heroes: Mittens, Kyle, and Mialee!  We come with proof of our valiant deed in defeating the deadly monsters plaguing the road leading to your town!  Behold!"

She digs out a bug bit and holds it high.

"This is but one of the dozens of brutal mandibles that tore into armor and flesh during our harrowing battle!"

  "I've been on the road too long, sometimes I forget how vigilant town guards are."   It was incredibly hard for the easily dismissed man to not add italics to the word vigilant.  "Surely any woman who helps an elf from being eaten alive is worth entrance?"   Nevermind that Mittens was fighting first.

  The original plans of the cloaked and dustmasked figure waltzing into town because everyone is too busy staring at the CATGIRL, are discarded after said Catgirl provides a straight line of the bug variety.

  So Cloaky Mc Cloakerson instead walks up to Mittens, eying the big bits saying with just enough of an accent to be noticable, but not enough to be worth the effort typing extra Z noises and clicks "I'd barely consider those even mandibles, let alone brutal.  The wasteful mess I passed by could have been dozens, to be fair."  They killed all those animals and just LEFT them there, more for his snacks back such poor hunters in these parts.

OOC: If it worked for an entire party of shardminds and Warforged, and the ninja turtles, it will work for one bug right?

Mialee seems startled by the yelling guard. "Did... I... do bad?"

The guard looks over the motley crew. "You didn't, ma'am. But I'm sure she did. If you helped anyone, lycan, it was by coincidence. Your bragging about the gore of the battle only proves your lust for violence."

Mialee frowns and says, "She... you... stop being mean!" as her eyes start watering up. Her face is contorted in a mixture of anger and sadness, soon to be replaced by fear and sadness. She seems to slightly move to be partly in front of Mittens, as if out of reflex.

The guard says, "It's not mean to protect this town; it's my job. Lycans are dangerous and violent. It'd be on my head if she kills anyone in this town."

At the sight of the cloaked figure, Mialee looks over to him with suspicion/curiosity. Here eyes are still watery and her expression still saying she'll cry if people press her too hard.

The guard calls for backup.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:44, Sat 07 Sept 2013.

“Thanks, Kyle!” Mits chimes with a big smile that her new ally would stand up for her.  She's not sure what to make of the cloaked person so she focuses next on adorable sensitive elf girl.  She offers a conjured flower.

“Aww?  Don't cry, Mialee.  Mittens is happy!”  She points at her grin.

A black market merchant!  Who else would be all cloaky and yet go out of their way to downplay the value of her loot?  Best not to draw attention to him if she wants him to buy her loot.  So she stows the mandible and continues.  “Being treated with suspicion and disrespect is quite the step up from being swarmed and attacked on sight.  Pattern recognition makes it difficult for one to trust anyone much less ones of races with violent reputations...  cough, Humans, cough.”

  Doesn't it just figure that the Kyle with a positive Charisma modifier still lacks training in Diplomacy or Bluff?  Then again, he had to resort to a Background to unlock Intimidate.  On an Assassin.

  "Mittens, as tempting as it is to sass the guards, there will only be his word against some complete strangers if he starts making things up about you to keep you outside."

  He then looks over to the Cloaked figure, and sighs.  "Oh, it's you.  I thought you'd be hunting by running straight at the animals?"

  The cloaked figure probably shrugs, or at least the movement under the cloak may give that impression.  "Why slowly stalk prey, when it so much of it willingly comes close? I see you've met more...  What words was it?  More of the sort you seem to keep company with."

  Kyle asks "How many times am I allowed to bring up people fainting at the sight of your arm deformity again, Chekin?"   <Thri-Kreen>"*Censored Bleep*</Thri-Kreen> Twice.  I'd hate you if you weren't a pleasure to work with."  Is that more, or less new languages for Mittens to worry about?

  They look down at (metaphorically, as well as literally) at Mialee, "Have you hired him for protection?  He can't protect your feelings no matter how much you pay him, little one....  He's working for free again isn't he."

Mialee gets a "can't help smiling" smile on her face as Mittens gives her a conjured flower. She takes it and curiously examines it before it poofs from existence 6 seconds later, which slightly startled Mialee, but judging from the smile, it's a good startle. "OK... I see you are happy." she says followed by a bright smile, shoulder shrug, and head tilt.

The guard says nothing in response to the trio of weirdos. What? Kyle's totally not a weirdo... he's human.

Mialee looks up at Chekin and says, "For free... yes! Yes. Mittens was fighting giant ants alone. Kyle helped her. Then I came and helped them. So... we all helped for free. What is Kshthlikik?" <-- just a random made-up word to represent the thri-kreen curse word.

The backup guards arrive and start muttering with the guard who stopped the group. The lead guard faces the group and says, "You may enter. Kyle, you are responsible for this bunch." So not only does he help for free, now he's forced to be an escort for free.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

"Kyle and the cloaked one know each other it seems," Mittens ponders aloud, "Now Mittens is curious about their adventures together.  And what was meant by 'arm deformity.'"

She grins at Mialee's cute antics and answers, "Likely a word that doesn't translate well into Common.  It makes me happy that my happiness increases your happiness."

She thumbs-ups at the guard and enters town.

"Good to see Kyle was wrong about the guards making stuff up to keep us out."

  Kyle nods to the guard, "Thank you, personal inconvenience aside I understand the precautions."  Stupid guard doing his JOB.  He leads on into town, where hopefully the worst problem to deal with is wishing a hot meal with wine included were cheaper.

  "I suppose the best part about being a cynic is being proven wrong is a much more pleasant occasion." he adds to Mittens once they are actually in town.  "As for Chekin, he makes me seem downright subtle at times but we've worked together on a few jobs well enough.  If you ranked that sort of thing by how much slavers scream anyway."

  Chekin is not above making fun of Kyle's desire for an 'I'm a professional mercenary' reputation clashing with his actions, then taking advantage of it himself as he follows along into town. "I have been told the closest Common translation is 'may you be *Oh My Goodness* by a sand zombie'.  Still, people take his word for it more than my own, so it is a bearable annoyance."

  He comments to Mittens, "Maybe if you behave yourself clawed one, I will show you what is inappropriate for display in public you seem so interested in."  There is probably a lot that could have been said about extremities that grow longer a girl wants to see, which are not proper to display in a public (human centric) town.  Thankfully we managed not to say most of them.

Inside the town, the group can see the standard town things; a tavern, a salon, a barber, a tanner, a stable... the standard stuff. This town really isn't all that different from other towns. The group is met with difficulty getting any supplies; Kyle winds up having to be the face of the team and get things for the others. At best, the others would wind up charged extra.

However, the tavern seems to only give glares at worst. And it has quests posted on the bulletin board as expected. Not so expected is that they all look old and unchallenged.

Mialee, by now, looks relatively uncomfortable thanks to all the mean things she has heard people say about Checkin and Mittens. Thanks to the hood Mialee wears, most people can't tell her apart from human. But at the same time, she wears a light-tan robe with sticks and leaves sticking out of it. That was enough for people to at least call her weird behind her back. So she has learned to hover just 10 feet back from Kyle, giving him room while using him as a security blanket of sorts.

The quests on the board look like adventurer level quests;
-Chase off the goblin encampment.
-Chase off the kobold encampment.
-Justin kidnapped. Reward for return.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Tue 17 Sept 2013.

"Considering that slavers tend to be irredeemably evil, it sounds like you two do good work."

Mits follows along and plays up her exoticness with sparkley cantrips and whatnot for the onlookers.

"Mittens is extremely behaved already if the human guard is any indication.  Haven't so much as disemboweled someone with my bare hands yet."

She looks disappointed by the quest list.

"No mention of bug monsters on the road.  I guess it was too recent a development for a reward to be posted.  Mittens goes unrewarded again!  These other quests look out of date.  I wonder if Justin ran off with the circus three decades ago.  And if there's a quest posted in the Kobold or Goblin encampments that says 'Chase off the human encampment.'"

  "Perhaps if I am lucky, you will share some pointers on your methods Mittens.  Observing the hunting methods of other cultures can be quite productive."  Today kids, we're going to teach you how to kill and skin a Bear Ass without a knife.  Pick Worgen race, aaand you're done.  Now turn in your quest and wash your hands.

  Chekin asks, "Was Justin important to this place?  It seems to have gone on without them readily enough, must not have led or provided their food.  So why kidnap him?" hostages and ransom are not new to Chekin, but such things purely for financial gain is a newer concept to him.

  The hunter observes Mialee, and wonders what it is about Kyle that draws other wanderers to him beyond 'looks at you like a person'.  Mittens is far more outgoing, and knows practical matters of clawing people to death.

  Or maybe Mailee was afraid the insults aimed at mittens might hit her too if she stood too close?

  At the very least, Party Face By Default is a role Kyle isn't unfamiliar with.  "Even if they did offer Mittens, wood and stone buildings are harder to bring down than the average collection of tents."  These Villain Side missions are so much harder than Hero side, but at least it's not the Praetorian module where the GM banned 'Can't be surprised' options.

  "I should probably ask around to see if anyone even still cares about these or are otherwise resolved before we run off, along with which encampment has been giving the town the most problems," If at all, beyond sort of existing off in the distance.  Or 'we found your son! Who knew he would be in a clearly labeled grave in your local cemetery?'.

  Before getting on that though, he looks back to Mialee who is far from invading personal space, but the most quiet so far (of course, language barrier).  "Talk behind your back aside, are you allright?" Sure, there could be a 'just words' speech here.  But Kyle's violent job makes him more aware that insults are not a problem as easily solved (when the local law cares).

Mialee twitches a smile at Kyle. "I'm fine. Thank you. I think asking is a good thing."

Should the bartender be asked, the grizzled, jaded fat man says, "Eh. Yes. The newest thing on that board is Justin's kidnapping, which happened about 5 years back. We've been dealing with the kobold problem for 10 years and the goblin problem for nearly 13 years."

If Chekin should direct the importance of Justin to the bartender, the man answers, "Pff... Nothing special, really. Just important to his family like anyone else."

Concerning the bugs on the side of the road, the bartender shrugs. "You're the first to mention it."

"Never really thought of what I do as hunting," Mittens answers Chekkin with a shrug, "But I guess it could be considered that."

More prestidigitation.  This time to make a chibi version of herself demo her various powers.

To Kyle she answers, "And on another practical note, in spite of the unwarm welcome, I find Humans to be more likely to reward folks for quests than kobolds or goblins anyway."

To the bartender she asks, "So...  by 'dealing with' them, what do you mean specifically?  13 years is a long time to put up with a violent neighbor.  Perhaps they're just a nuisance?"

  Kyle would love to get paid for doing something, but as there appeared to be nothing specific worth mentioning about the Goblins or Kobolds, he suspects Mittens may be right.  That or the will mount an attack in the next five minutes after years of not much of consequence with things like exploding barrel hurling ogres or whatever.

  Look, a lot of things go very wrong when you visit town with no tangible evidence it is all your fault, but sometimes a guy wonders.

  "Right, hate to say rescue is probably wishful thinking but sometimes you get lucky.  Would you say it'd be worth more to deal with the Kobolds, or the Goblins?"

  "The small ones lack the strength to drive these people from their lands, but they do nothing to remove their competition. No wonder you keep finding work despite yourself Kyle."

  "These things can happen when you don't live somewhere just standing outside can kill you, I guess."

The bartender answers Mittens with a semi "duh" expression, "By "deal with them", we mean fix the problem. Kill them, send them packing, get them worshiping us as gods so they throw money at us, we don't care. As long as they are not a problem anymore."

He then turns his attention to Kyle. "Same reward for either one. So it's worth the same whether you deal with kobolds or goblins."

Mits immediately copies the guy's "duh" expression.  "Not every town is as open ended with their quests.  And when you say 'problem' that could mean anything from goblins who refuse to sell their gold mine for a handful of coppers to ones who blow up townsfolk with alchemist fire over a stolen totem.  I'm guessing your goblins and kobolds are no more harmful than the kind who shout and make rude gestures at those who invade their turf."

 "I'm sure we will find out just how big a problem they are soon enough, if we do not somehow run into Justin first that is."  On the one hand, Kobolds and Goblins so vague that no horror stories are told would probably be easier targets than normal.  On the other hand, his pesky standards can get in the way of earning a paycheck.

  Chekin is hoping this is not a huge waste of time, why bother seeking out tribes of potential enemies if you are most likely just going to turn around and leave after you find them?

The bartender says, "They usually come at night to try stealing things. But sometimes, they will rob travelers on the road."

Mialee says, "Thieves. Maybe they can be given... the bargain?"

Mits ahs.  Oh no!  They stole our candy!  KILL THEM!

"I can see now why the town wants adventurers to deal with this issue for them.  While the savages haven't proven murderous yet, confronting them could prove quite deadly."

She looks at Mialee with some confusion.  "Do you mean diplomacy?  If so, I suppose it's possible."

She asks the bartender, "How frequent are these thefts?  Expecting another soon?"

  "If we are lucky, simply getting them to stop trying to steal from the townsfolk would be easier."  It's a sad fact of the business that trying to talk people into reasonable lifestyles was often an impossible task compared to 'defeat an entire fortified stronghold in combat'.

  The store is so far away, RAID THE DAIRY FARM IT'S CLOSER!

  "Try to steal?  Will they be as poor warriors as they are thieves I wonder?  Easier for us either way."

The bartender says, "Umm... when I said they sometimes rob travelers on the road, there have been cases of the travelers winding up dead. So they are guilty of murder too. As for expectations? The town thefts happen every 10 or so days with irregular occurrences so we can't hold on to a pattern. Last theft was yesterday, though, so we aren't expecting any tonight."

"Oh this is serious, then!" Mits concludes of the murders, "But recent visit means fresh tracks."

She smiles at Chekkin.

"So an accomplished hunter such as yourself should have no trouble finding 'em!"

Back to bartender, "But to save time, is it alreawdy know where the camps are or at least in what direction?"

  "Chekin seems more of a 'let the prey come to him' hunter.  Which is a polite way of saying he's terrible at the actual hunting part of it." Kyle comments.

  "How anyone manages to do it the other way around with all these trees in the way, I can't imagine.  Besides, everything is a hunt, philosophically.  Hunt for food, hunt for knowledge, hunt for which part bleeds the most."

The bartender nods. "The camps are about 5 miles out of town in opposite directions. Goblin camp is 5 miles west of here while kobold camp is 5 miles east of here. They are somewhere just off the road. The goblins have some small village set up and the kobolds live in a cave."

  "Thanks for the heads up, at least with the general direction we should be able to find them."  He turns to the others, "If we're going to do this, I'm leaning towards the goblin camp."

  "Why, are they easier prey?"  "Themselves, No.  Just a little less likely to have 19 sets of concealed death traps every ten feet."

Mits nods.  "Interesting thought.  'Mittens the adventure hunter.'  Sure.  Goblins first is fine.  I don't speak their language, though.  And unless any of you speak Goblin or are willing to walk 10 miles round trip in the hopes they speak Common, we might wunna look into some means of communicating.  An interpreter, a spell scroll, or whatever."

  "I doubt any of us speak Draconic either.  So Unless Mialee happens to know either, language barrier won't be a deciding factor" at least not until level 5 in his own case.  Look, Dwarves make the cool sturdy things and Elven is the second most common language in existence.  Shame this Kyle is at the moment more straightforward compared to Classic Kyle, or linguistic rituals would be a more ready option.

Mialee nods. "Trans... lay.. tor... yes. Translator. That would be good."

It doesn't take the team long to find a dragonborn. But someone who speaks goblin? None in town.

"So... change of plans, then?" Mits asks, "There's a chance one of the Kobolds might speak goblin.  If all goes well...  Ya know?  This might work in our favor.  The Kobolds likely view the Goblins as competition.  If we go to them explaining we're trying to get rid of the Goblins, they might prove a lot more cooperative."

  "May as well head for the camp who's insults we will be most readily able to understand then."

  "I am beginning to wonder if we will ever reach one of these camps, let alone face the inevitable hostilities.  Though making the pests exterminate eachother is very efficient, well thought Mittens."

The team is soon led to a dragonborn who seems to be standing on a table in the bar, singing about heroes of old. Once done the song, he hops down, approaches the group and says, "Ah! The new faces! And what can I do for you today? Translate draconic, perhaps?"

Mits grins to Chekin's compliment and gives a fancy bow.  To the dragonborn she nods.

"Yup!  We're adventurers and we intend to deal with the kobold and goblin problems once and for all.  My name is Mittens and this is Kyle, Mialee, and Chekin.  I've already witnessed that Kyle and Mialee can handle themselves in combat should the need arise, and Kyle vouches for Chekin.  So while the task is dangerous, because Mialee is a healer and myself a spell sword, I think we have ourselves a viable adventuring team.  You interested in helping out with this quest?"

  "Who is this Zelda and why does Gannon taking her away cause youths to cease recreation?"

  Kyle ignores this meta reference and comments "The off chance this could end without a pile of tiny corpses-" Or their own "Is why we're interested.  Even if things very rarely turn out that way."

The dragonborn nods. "My name is Lamron! I'll be happy to help! Just lead the way!"

He follows the group.

Mialee looks about at the others. "I hope this does not end bad."

Well that was easier than expected.  Mits was expecting to be cut off with a "no thanks" at the mention of the word "dangerous."

"Nice to meet you, Lamron!" Mittens says all happy-like, "Glad to have you join us!  Something tells me you're more than just a storyteller.  An adventurer, perhaps.  I'd like to know more!"

  "It will end well for someone, small one." Either they have a victorious battle, or they die in which case it went well for the Kobolds... Or somehow it turns out peacefully for everyone which he guesses is good?

  Kyle nods, "Thank you for the assistance Lamron." Note to self cut Lamron in on the profits.

Lamron nods. "Indeed I am an adventurer! What would you like to know, my fine adventuring companions?"

Mialee asks, "Do you speak Elven?"

Lamron says, "Alas! I do not speak that beautiful language of the fey!"

Mialee says, "Oh..."

Mits was wondering what the going rate for a translator with hazard pay was, but thankfully Lamron can now be considered an equal and that simplifies things loot division wise.

"Mittens is quickly growing fond of the flamboyant Dragonborn," Mittens narrates with a smile, "I'd like to know what sort of adventurer you are, Lamron.  I'm guessing bard.  I'm a swordmage m'self."

She smiles over at Mialee.

"I'm sure we'll pick up on each others' languages readily enough."

  "I do not think all languages have a match for she sells sea shells by the sea shore." Though even without lots of water involved most of the time, She Sells Silt Sand By The Silt Sea in Thri-Kreen might need maracas to get right without mandibles.

  "If there is ever time for it, I might try to help the others pick up Elven, or you with Common Mialss."  If a Scholar can learn every weapon Language eventually, then they can totally teach languages... right?

"Allien ame Asha 'A Ama" Mialee counters with a smile and a giggle. "Maybe not all languages can do that, but I know Elven can." still, the Thri-Kreen clearly caused Mialee to smile.

Lamron says, "Nay, my fine furry friend! I am but a lowly fighter, capable of swinging a sword and holding a shield! Nothing more!"

---

OOC: Actual elven words!
Literal translation: Those who are bodily or spirit are (still) of blood

Mits snickers about the language exchange.

"Your coaching woud be appreciated, Kyle.  'Allien ame Asha 'A Ama.'  So uh...  Which of those words translates to 'Sally?'"

She smiles at Lamron.

"Modest too.  Well how 'bout the rest of the team?  What sorts of adventurers are you?"

  "The kind who has noticed the pattern where most jobs people ask you to 'save' them, means hurting someone else."  Kyle Klassic keeps people safe through trying to ensure their protection with a side of efficient violence.  Kyle Killer somewhere along the line decided on the other, more common extreme of 'they can't kill us if they are DEAD'.  "Also, alas, none of those were Sally. Sorry Mittens.  Try <Elven>Sally</elven>"  Which, we put good odds on being just plain old Sally.

  Chekin shrugs under his cloak (which seems a bit off, in no way because of extra limbs hidden no sir).  "Even hunters can potentially end up prey.  I work to ensure we remain the hunters and not the hunted.  In these lands I have found a pleasing similarity in the Dragonborn's winged spear to the Gythka, and have grown fond of the weapons of Lamron's people."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Thu 05 Dec 2013.

Mialee says, "I am... spirit talker. I call on spirits and they answer. Mostly animal spirits. Spirits of nature."

Lamron grins proudly. "Aha! Someone who has a taste for dragonborn weaponry? My people would be happy to hear this!"

"So you're a ninja, then," Mittens concludes of Kyle, "Neat!  And Chekin's an archer ranger?  Handy.  Can never have too many damage dealers."

She chuckles at the Elven pronounciation for Sally, even if it is just plain old "Sally."

"Shaman, yes?" she asks of Mialee.

The weird shrug percs Mits' curiosity.

"So what's that weird thing you were saying you're hiding, Chekkin?"

  Kyle asks "I don't suppose any of those spirits willing to help you out Mialee, are able to make violent wildlife just leave us alone?  Though what help has been provided so far has been nice." He doesn't refute the ninja claim because really that's close enough, even if it's the Essentials version is the one with ninja clan class features, not his magazine supplement version.

  Checkin shakes his head,  "I can use a bow if needed, but I prefer shield and long sharp object in my grasp.  The Tratnyr is hardly as capable of defending ones self from attack as what I am most familiar with, but considering I use a shield that is not a problem... As for my deformity, that is not something I will discuss in this town."

Mialee brightens up as if reminded of something. "Shaman! Yes."

Lamron says, "You are doing well with your Common, spirit talker! But you do seem to talk differently and with fewer words than any other elf I have met. Why is that?"

Mialee blushes. "I... did not study Common growing up. I have been learning Common for three full moons."

"Wild guess, asking nature spirits to prevent random wild animal attacks is akin to asking the ghosts of a haunted house to prevent random muggings in a city," Mits conjectures.

To Chekkin she nods.  "Understandable."

On the language topic she comments, "I wonder how much will be lost in the translation from Goblin to Common to Elf and back."

  "As Lamron says, you are doing well for such a short time in study."  This opinion will not change when he hits level 4 and instantly picks up Dragonic.

  Chekin adds, "If my language can have direct translations except when something deems a flaw humorous or of some use, I would expect other languages to be the same." Indiana Jones, zero effort translating anything until the tripped over a translation joke.  Gandalfl, all knowing until they need to sit outside a cave door for hours.

Mialee ohs as Mittens answers for her. "I... yes! I think?"

When Kyle compliments her linguistics, she smiles and says, "Oh! Thank you."

Lamron says, "Ha! Indeed it would be humorous to play such a language game with my fine new companions! Perhaps on the way there? Or whenever we are done with our task at hand?"

---

OOC: Growing up with a linguist for a dad, I can tell you translation can be anywhere from easy and flawless to hard and flawed. It depends on multiple things. How well do you know the language? How well do you know the sub-language? How well do you know the culture? How often do you speak the language?

Also, Gandalf sitting for hours wasn't a translation issue, but a "so obvious, he over-thought it" issue. And I totally need to go back and re-watch the old Indiana Jones movies. XD

"What they said," Mittens says, "Keep at it Mialee.  I'm sure you'll pick up fluent Common soon enough.  Then you can amuse yourself with pretending to be confused to make people lower their guard."

She looks over at Lamron.  "Know any goblin kobold puns or songs?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:56, Wed 08 Jan 2014.

  Kyle expects Mialee to learn two sorts of phrases from experience rather quickly.  What a cute Elf, and Have You Heard Of A Comb?.  Possibly both at the same time.

  "Yes, watch the faces when Mittens talks to them.  It is a good example of confusion." Hey now, not all NPCs can handle a third person narrative from a person right next to them.

Moving right along, the group makes it to the kobold den.

Before anyone asks, May is not here.

A kobold comes out and spews draconic at a fast rate. Lamron says something to the kobold, then turns to the PCs and translates, "He says: Halt, intruders! Identify yourselves and state your business!"

Mialee says, "I... um... I am Mialee. We're here to ask you to stop stealing."

Mits grinned mischievously at Kyle's comment.  At the kobold place she smiles and waves at the not-yet-violent kobold.

"Watch out for that venomous snake at your feet, kobold," Mittens says, watching for a reaction.  If he looks, she'll know he understands Common.

If he doesn't she'll ask, "Don't translate that, please, Lamron."

  Kyle's player admits he forgot to label Chekin's sentence beyond text color, and some days his player can't even keep his own straight (Batsmash talks what color again?).

  Chekin asks "Are there invisible snakes in these lands, or is it burrowing through the ground like so many predators in my lands are fond of?"

  Kyle meanwhile passes his low DC do not eyeroll bluff (or is that diplomacy?) check, as he says "Mialee's request has it right.  Though for this job, as long as what they steal is not from the townsfolk that is fine too."  Stealing may be wrong, but he'd rather succeed in convincing them to steal from someone else than fail to make them stop at all.

Mittens' clever ploy works! The kobold doesn't bother looking at the ground, as if he didn't understand what she said.

Lamron says, "I understand, my fine furry friend!" he then turns to the kobold and speaks some draconic. To save text, from here on, the GM will simply have the kobold "say" things spoken through Lamron.

Kobold: "You're on our land! You leave or die!" Well his text is still red because this is actually Lamron talking, but you get the idea.

Mits headshakes in replyto Chekin's question.  "That was a trick to see if he knows Common."

She smirks, proud of herself for the idea, and amused by hearing the friendly voice of Lamron declare, "You leave or die!"

She answers the Kobold, "We'll be leaving, yes.  Goblins have been killing merchants and stealing from them, making the local town angry enough to hire fighters to stop them.  We came here to see if you would be willing to help stop the Goblins."

  Chekin gives the impression of a pause and blink behind his mask (he can totally blink, honest), and says "Already Mialee is an accomplished linguist by comparison."  Raise your hand if you know only one language at all.

   Kyle meanwhile finds it a strange time, when somebody's reaction simply being 'not our problem' as he suspects it will be, is not one of the worst reactions they could have.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Sat 11 Jan 2014.

Mialee looks to Chekin. "I thank you..."

Lamron translates.

Kobold: "Not my problem! You leave or die!"

Mialee glances to Mittens. "Nice try..."

Lamron continues chatting with the kobold. The kobold just stays looking threatening.

Mits finds herself once again in the eminently unfitting yet oddly frequent position of being the team negotiator due to lack of anyone else (besides Lamron, but he's not sharing what he's saying so he could be talking about the weather for all she knows) interacting with the other party in the last couple seconds.  At least it has been confirmed there isn't an alliance between the Kobolds and Goblins.

"Not your problem, but perhaps your profit.  If the goblins are eliminated, not only will there not be any competition for the merchant goods, but there is a reward being offered by the nearby town for ending the goblin nuisance.  Reward.  Meaning profit."

  Kyle on the one hand, would like some extra help.  On the other hand, he'd hate for some of his cynical expectations to happen.  "If we're lucky, it just means splitting the pay in a whole lot of directions.  If we are unlucky, we spark a goblin kobold gang war that spills over too close to town."

Lamron continues to translate nonetheless. Mialee says, "You shouldn't be mean. People are getting hurt." ....the kobold laughs.

Kobold: "Reward? Profit? We just kill both humans *and* goblins and get *all* the money. Why should we care if people get hurt? And I thought I told you to leave."

"At first Mittens considers stabbing the nimrod kobold in the face then ask him if I should care about his pain.  Then thinks about non-lethal damage followed by intimidation to get him to be more cooperative.  Come to think of it, why is this guy so full of himself?  Lightspell!  They have a dragon!  Likely a small one.  Even so, this changes things.  I'm thinking we should return to town to re-think our strategy.  Unless you all are ready to blaze ahead into the Kobold lair to fight them and a dragon of unknown size.  I'm game if you are!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Tue 14 Jan 2014.

  "While I would not be surprised our luck meant it was a Dragon, I'm more thinking it is because this is his turf, and there are a lot of kobolds."  And, you know, suicidal aggression is common in basically everything that would be antagonistic towards them.

  "We should go, unless we want to fight two camps of short people instead of one."

At this moment, a fox-like being in a familar white robe with red triangular hems pokes his floofy snout into the room.  He takes a couple sniffs and then walks into the scene and pulls back the hood of the White Mage robe, revealing a male fox's features with red-brown hair.  "Hello there.  Is this the group that's going into the Kobold's Lair?  My name's Kevin and I can be your designated healer of the party, if you need one."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Kevin, level 1
Hengeyokai, Cleric (Templar)
Build: Devoted Cleric
Cleric Option: Healer's Lore
Animal Form Option: Fox (Stealth)
Foundling (+2 to Streetwise)
Theme: Inquisitive

ABILITY SCORES
STR 11, CON 10, DEX 16, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 16


AC: 16 Fort: 10 Ref: 13 Will: 15
HP: 22 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 5

TRAINED SKILLS
Diplomacy +8, Heal +8, Insight +8, Religion +5

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +2, Arcana +0, Athletics –1, Bluff +5, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance –1, History +0, Intimidate +3, Nature +3, Perception +3, Stealth +4, Streetwise +5, Thievery +2

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack, Ranged Basic Attack
Hengeyokai Utility: Nature's Mask
Cleric Feature: Turn Undead
Cleric Utility: Favor of the Gods, Healing Word
Cleric Attack 1: Sacred Flame, Astral Seal, Prophetic Guidance, Beacon of Hope

FEATS
Level 1: Ritual Caster, Pacifist Healer

ITEMS
Ritual Book
(Comrades' Succor, Comprehend Language)
Chainmail x1
Adventurer's Kit
Holy Symbol x1
Sling x1, Sling Bullets
====== End ======

---

Lamron says, "Probably for the best we..." and then a cleric shows up.

Mialee turns her attention to the newcomer and gasps. Her lips move like she's talking to herself, but no sound comes out. She finally does speak, her voice gentle, but not quiet. "Healer? I can... do the healing also. More healing is welcome. You are.. fox. Kevin. I am called Mialee."

In reply to Mialee (msg # 95):

Kevin just smiled when he hears Mialee stammer over his appearance, and people can see a white tip of a brushy tail wag under his robe.  "Pleasure to meet you, Mialee."

"Geehee," Mittens snickers with a grin when she sees the cleric show up.  STAB!  She impales the kobold on her sword!  It lets out a shriek and stares in shock at the blade in it's chest!

"And THAT would by why you should care about the suffering of others," she tells the Kobold, "Because what goes around comes around."

The feline razorclaw smiles at the cleric, retracting her sword and flicking the blood off.

"What divine timing!  We were just talking about our strategy for dealing with likely small dragon in yon kobold lair.  With a second healer joining us, we can rid this region of this murderous threat right here and now rather than give it a chance to escape to ply its' evil elsewhere.  Welcome, Welcome!  I'm Mittens!  Sword Wizard.  Nice to Meetcha!"

  Kyle's already traveling with one hairy person, so another one isn't much of a stretch "Well, I think we were probably just leaving.  But more help is always welcome."  And then Mitten's impales the apparent Minion of a Kobold.

  Chekin's cloak and mask hides his expression (which he is totally capable of under there, honest) "Hmmm...  Kyle?"  "Yes?"   "Take notes, the cat does your job better."

  The mercenary eyerolls as he hefts his oversized axe, feeling he's gonnas need it now.

Kevin winces a bit as he sees the kobold impaled and flung out a window.  In the distance he could hear a "Kobold...can't feel...tail."

"I take it you've been having a lot of those lately," Kevin says, pointing to what was thrown out like yesterday's garbage.

Mialee squeaks and covers her mouth at the sudden violence. Then says, "Only now..." in answer to Kevin.

Lamron says, "Farther in we go, then?"

Mialee says in a powerful voice, "EAGLE!" and her spirit eagle comes into being, letting out its call.

Kevin is awestruck by Mialee's ability, "So this is a Shaman's magic.  Impressive."

"The Kobold hassle has been more the problem of the merchents they murder for loot," Mittens clarifies for Kevin, "And yes!  Farther in.  I'm taking point.  Can't use burning hands effectively if I don't.  Thanks again for offering your aid, Kevin.  Oh.  And the fighter with the hood up is named Chekin."

Mittens enters the kobold lair!

Dominating the room ahead is a long trench filled with a
glowing green substance. Beyond the trench, a small, reptil-
ian humanoid stands in a shadowy chamber, gaping at you.
It carries a sling, and quickly reaches into a pouch at its belt
for a stone. It hisses and shouts, “Intrudersss! Intrudersss!”

  Chekin is a happy totally a normal person, because it's time to discard that stupid mask and unfurl his cloak.  He is a totally normal, heavily armed bug person.  Go figure.

  "Let the hunt begin." Chekin says, as he skirts around the goo pit, and reaches out around the corner with his creepy chitinous bug fingers (wait, arern't the rest of his arms packign claws?) to grab the kobold by the neck, and drags it over to start... Oh dear, it appears chekin is eating the Kobold's face.

  Chekin's biggest regret is that none of the other kobolds can see this yet, only hear it.

  As the Kobold miraculously succeeds in breaking free, the Thri-Kreen backhands the mortally wounded lizard into the goo pit.  There aren't even air bubbles after the fact.  "Oh yes, the prey in these lands are lacking...  Even so, that far surprasses the five second rule."

---

Move: duh.
Standard: Theme Grasping Limb vs archer, hits.  Holy Crap max damage.  20.  grabs, pulls.
AoO vs shift:  Hits, kills.  Pit Fatality.

Kobold Archer 1 HP: 20-Oh Lordy= Dead.

  Kyle could rush to his friend's aid (why yes he knew Chekin was a Thri-Kreen the whole time, why do you ask?),  but instead opts for the easier target who has decided to rush all of them by his little lonesome.

  "Hey, what's that behind you!"  "I'm not falling for that one!"  "Lovely."  This said as Kyle vanishes, then reappears next to the skirmisher just long enough to bury his axe head larder than the kobold's into it's side, before vanishing again.

  Then Mittens just shoves it into a pit and he reappears.  From his end of the battle, Chekin comments "again, take notes from the cat."

"Beguiling strands!" Mittens announces as the magic pushes the kobold to it's gooey doom.

She hurries over to Chekin. "Awesome fighting, guys!  Burning Hands!"

With a swing of her blade angled at the wall to her right, a huge fireball burns two kobolds, nearly missing roasting Chekin!  But he's probably used to extreme heat.

"Now would be a good time to renounce your evil ways and surrender yourselves to justice, kobolds!"

Kevin always remembered that the others in the temple he grew up with thought he was...they didn't call him wierd or strange to his face, but he knew he was differnet, being a kitsune and all.  But they cared for him well and made him feel part of the group, even though as he grew up Kevin did sense the uniqueness of his presence.

He finally knew what his elders were thinking when he saw Chekin's true form under his cloak.  ('If a fox man is strange to people,' Kevin thought to himself, 'then Chekin here would be doubly so.  But no sense having misgivings now.')

All thoughts went out of his mind once combat began, and he took up his role in the party.  And no matter what these people are and where they come from, they're all important parts of the team.  Such as what he was raised and taught.  And there was no second thoughts when he sent a healing word toward the Thri-Kreen Fighter.

Moves up to range, and then heals Chekin for 9 Points

He then fires a Astral Seal toward the Kobold Mittens has marked...and his cast goes wide.

Kevin snaps his fingers and goes "The Dice are Cold,"  and then wonders why he said that. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 08:14, Tue 14 Jan 2014.

Mialee steps forward and summons her eagle to be amidst her allies and in front of an enemy. She then points what looks like a miniature totem pole, sized about the same as a scepter, and utters something in elven.

For those who speak elven; <Elven>"Ancient Bear spirit, fill my allies with your strength to endure!"</Elven>

A spirit bear appears, swipes at the kobold, and is just as quickly gone. But Mialee's allies feel a bit tougher now.

---

Move: To see enemies
Minor: Summon spirit amidst allies
Standard: Thunder Bear's Warding v Skirmisher 1. Hit(22)!
 dmg: 10
 Allies adjacent to eagle gain resist all 3.
 Checkin gains 3 thp.

Skirmisher 1 HP: 15 - 10 = 5

  "Thank you, the hairy ones in these lands are so considerate."  Bleeding less is always a good thing, at least when it comes to yourself and not your enemies.

  Speaking of which, he dispatches the Kobold behind him with a fancy backhand to the throat, as he punches the one in front of him right in his lizardy nose... Then this impressive display is completely sidelined as he misses an attempt to grab the still standing kobold he almost falls on his face (Good thing 4th ed has no horrific "optional" crit fail rules).

---

  Minor action: Racial PUNCH.    Hits both.  8 DMG.  Kills Skirmisher 1.
  Standard: Grappling strike.  FAIL.

  Marks: Skirmisher 2.

  Skirmisher 1 HP: 5-8 = Dead.
  Skirmisher 2 HP: 27-8= 19/27

The skirmisher doesn't any better against Chekin, stabbing ineffectively at the fighter.  The slinger shrieks, slings a glue pot at Mits, and retreats.  The glue pot hits a vital part of her feet, gluing her to the ground!

"My achilles!" Mittens hollers in pain, "My only weakness!  Just kidding."

  "I'll make sure the slinger doesn't get awa-oh come on, why is the enemy using common sense?"  This said as he hears the kobold behind the gate start to flee.

  With a sigh (not a literal one, that would be melodramatic) he turns into a living shadow (We take that back about not being melodramatic), and simply walks through the wall and gate between him and his target.

  He comes up short for burying his axe into the kobold's back, but he is able to reach out as he returns to solid form, as more shadows reach out and drag the kobold screaming before him, wrapping around it's legs.  "While I can appreciate a sound tactical mind, yours is a problem I can't let remain."

---

Minor: Shadow form.  Insubstantial whoo! Stealth check, success with it.
Move: Through the walls and gate haha ghost.
Free: Shroud on slinger.
Standard:  Executioner's Noose.  exact hit.  12 fort.  pulls 2, 10 DMG.  Slows until end of my next turn.  Breaks my insubstantial.

Slinger HP: 12-10= 2
This message was last edited by the player at 05:27, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

Kevin stood in awe at the Druid's work, in wonder at the grace and power she held.  And at the Elvish word she intoned.  What drew him to her so?



Kevin winces as Chekin almost facefaults.  In one moment he's grateful that crit fail rules are not invoked.  The next moment, he wondered why that thought came to his head.



"I got you," Kevin said as he places his hands on Mitten's shoulders.  He sends out his Healing powers to the injured cat.

Before he tries to help pull Mittens out of the glue, he hurls an Asral Seal to the Kobold near Lazerface, again going wide.  He sighs, and resumes pulling Mittens out of the glue.

---

Second Healing Word for the Encounter:  17 Points of Healing to Mittens.
Miss on Astral Seal.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:30, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

Considering one ally is a giant bug, another can phase through metal bars, one can heal people with the power of the gods, and yet another can shoot fire from her hands, Mialee understands the idea of being in awe of any one of these people.

She points her totem to the kobold Kyle is fighting and the eagle vanishes only to reappear on the kobold's other side, preventing escape. Then the eagle's eyes glow and Kyle feels hastened and able to throw an extra swing!

---

Minor: unsummon spirit
Minor: summon spirit
Standard: Claws of the Eagle
 Kyle gets a basic attack against the kobold

"Hey, personal space..." Mittens begins to object to being touched before she realizes useful cleric is being useful, "Uh... I'll make an exception.  Thanks."

She swings her sword at the enemy and a wave of telekinetic energy slams the skirmisher against a wall, and explodes the slinger's brains out the backside of his skull.

"Sorry 'bout that, eagle..." Mits says sheepishly at the likely unpleasant bath the otherworldly spirit... just... nevermind.

Hop!  She hops out of her shoes and is no longer glued to the ground!
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:01, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

"What can I say," Kevin says, "I like being useful.  At least I can overcompensate for being a bad aim."

To illustrate, he points to the scorch marks over the Kobold Slingers head.

He then sighs and draws on his deity to give the bug a boon.

---

Miss on Sacred Flame

Channel Divinity:  Favor of the Gods on Chekin, His next attack can be re-rolled on a miss.

  Chekin sizes up the small but crafty and in no way alive because of bad aim on the hero's part Skirmisher.  He twirls his Tratnyr over his head before driving it down through the knee of the Kobold.  "I've had worse, you sissy bug!"  "You can't shift."  "...eeeAAAA-"  The Kobold's scream of existencial horror is interupted as it's head explodes, unable to survive the thought of being a Kobold who can't shift.

  Kyle meanwhile, simply pulls the lever opening the gate.  Yaaaay Kyle.

Mialee would have been confused by Mittens objecting to help from a team mate, but her thoughts are interrupted as she squeaks and covers her mouth at the sight of the kobold death.

The eagle gives Mittens a headtilt, then vanishes.

Mialee asks, "Is everyone OK?"

"Feeling fantastical!" Mittens answers with a smile as she begins to work her shoes free of the glue, "And yay!  Your Common is improving!  That was a perfectly constructed sentence!  Awesome work by the way, everyone!"

Kevin looks over his Holy Symbol, wondering if the 'sight' is off on it.  "Seems that way.  Not sure about my accuracy."

---

Short Rest triggered, all Encounter Powers regained.

This message was last edited by the player at 06:38, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

  "Perhaps look into a God who's emblem you can stab someone with?" He considers this for a moment, then adds "I suppose this is why Kord and Moradin are so popular here."

  He nods to the little Elf saying, "Yes small one, I am fine.  Your eagle is a fine hunter."

OOC:  Surge spent for self healing. EDIT: and another to account for Healing Word.
Chekin HP: 28/28 S 8/10, V 7, AP 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:41, Wed 29 Jan 2014.

  Kyle loots the two remaining glue sling bullets from the dead Kobold at his feet.  He suspects the pit is for making more, but these are already made and actual items and everything (maybe).  Watch Kyle never even use these because GIANT AXE is his primary operating method.

  He heads back to his friends and acquaintances, saying "Good work, sorry I almost let this one get away.  But at least we don't have to bother with the gate anymore."

"I was wondering how we're going to pull that lever," Kevin said.  "Indeed, a good job."

Mialee looks at Mittens with a smile. "Thank you."

Mialee says to Kyle, "As you humans say; almost only counts the horseshoes." Honestly... apologizing for almost not getting a flawless victory? That's a new level of needless self incrimination. Like apologizing that you didn't kill the kobold with one hit.

She then looks at the others. "We need care... careful?"

"You're welcome!" Mits answers, putting her shoes back on, "I need to take five to regain my burning hands spell.  Worth the wait, believe me.  Unless I wind up in a situation where I can't use it.  And judging by this team, I'm likely going to have to pick another spell some day soon."

To Kevin she nods.  "Everyone has their unlucky streaks.  Just keep at it!"

Kevin just nods.  "I just hope this isn't a trend," he says.

  "While you did not land any killing blows like Chekin, you did not almost fall flat on your face like him either Kevin."

  "What is that Kyle?  I can not hear you over the sound of twice as much prey coming to me than you need eldritch lore to pursue."

Mialee sits with her back against a wall and rests her elbows on her knees, watching the others. She gives Chekin a weird look. "Kevin. Tell us about you?"

Kevin clears his throat.  "Well, I don't really know that much about myself.  I was found by my fellow clerics in the temple I grew up in.  I didn't even know I was a kitsune until they told me; I thought I was just fuzzier then the others.  I've read about what kitsune is, but I've yet to meet another one.  I hope I could find out more about where I came from during this adventuring time, now that I've struck out on my own.  Maybe even learn what a kitsune is supposed to do."

"A Razorclaw Shifter adventurer such as myself is supposed to wind up a ranger or rogue," Mittens says dismissively, "So I wouldn't put too much stock in racial stereotyping as a guide for what you should be.  In my opinion, you make for a great exemplar of what you already are.  Awesome healer."

She looks over to Chekkin.  "So at last I see your big secret.  I can see why you keep it under wraps.  Some things are too amazing for the general public."

She throws a few sparkles from her fingertips.  "I've had people run screaming from me just for that little bit of magic.

Kevin smiles at Mittens.  "Thank you :)"

  Chekin raises his lower left arm, "Yes, I make do with what should be a crippling birth defect."  Said arm is the one with five buglike fingers instead of traditional Thri-Kreen claws.  He says this with a straight face, but then, Bug Man.

    Alas, this version of Kyle isn't the one with the decent Arcana checks.  So offhand knowledge regarding Kitsunes is a bit beyond him.  "You seem to be doing well so far, but then I don't think I'm one to talk about how close to normal the company I keep, or am myself happens to be."

Mialee stands up carefully and says, "We are friends. It is good to have friends." before she starts carefully going down the path the portcullis was blocking before.

Mits scrambles to her feet to hurry and take the lead.  "Yes!  And friends don't let friends get in front of burning hands."

Once in front she moves more cautiously, watching for traps and ambushes.

Kevin just rolls his eyes, not wanting to keel over to that bad pun.

After resting up, Mialee checks for survivors... there seem to be none.
She then looks to the others. "Go in more?"

Should the group proceed, there are steps that lead to a ladder that then leads to a metal door in the ceiling. It is open and the group is able to ascend to the next level.

(New map set up!)

  Chekin nods, and bugeyes Mittens.  "Such an enthusiastic hunter, I like this one more when not telling me to stay away myself though."

  Kyle just shrugs, and shoulders his excessively large axe, following after.

"Mittens asks only that folks not get in front of burning hands spell," Mits clarifies, "Once I've cast it, I can't cast it again till the next fight.  What tends to be the best strategy I've found is to ready an attack, allow the enemy to clump up charging the front line, then BLAMMO!  Hit 'em all with burning hands.  Tends to be very effective."

Caarefully exploring, expecting a trap at every step.

"That is why I'm in the rear," Kevin quietly intones as he follows the rest of the group.

Mialee says, "You can not hurt Lincoln. He can stay in front."

More stairs. And while it isn't technically a spiral staircase, it is looking like they go down and make sharp turns in a spiral pattern.

  The oddities of living in a square tile based world.  You get used to it or go insane.

  Kyle has little issue following up close behind the frontliners, though Chekin would prefer to be as in the face of enemies as possible to start with, even with the threat of BBQ.  "I will assume you have given up if there is no explosion swiftly then."

With a 10' wide hall and Mits taking the inside corner, she's not too concerned with Leroy Buggins taking the front with her.

"Invulnerable ghost eagle drawing initial ambush attacks and healer safely taking up the rear sounds like a good idea to me," she answers.

She conjures a ball of kicking and kicks it down the stairs in front of her hoping to trigger the flame thrower traps before she or Chekkin do.

Kevin makes himself useful again and cracks a sunrod so that the party would have enough light to see down the stairs.  "Be careful, friends.  We don't know what's down there.  Well, we do know some of what's down there, but not everything."

FWOOOSH! A flamethrower inside the wall throws fire at the ball, poofing it.

Mialee squeaks and covers her mouth. "...people know kobolds make traps."

Kevin blinked at the triggered trap.  "A Flamethrower?  These guys have made some improvements."

  Kyle looks to Mialee, and asks "I don't suppose your bird friend can make it through that unharmed?" Pesky 'must start and stop next to creature' teleport requirement.

  Chekin is glad to have a shield, but suspects it will not help as much as he would hope against a literal wall of fire.  "Finding traps somewhat easier than getting past them."

Mits raises her arm to shield her face from the bright light and heat, squinting her eyes and recoiling a bit.

"Sheesh!  Here I was thinking I was paranoid to think magical fire burst trap.  Bright side, I seriously doubt they had the money to afford one that'll burn forever.  So we just need to wait it out.  Likely won't last but a few seconds.  A few minutes at most.  But this has me thinking we'll be facing a young red dragon."

"If we do," Kevin replied, "I would not be surprised."

The fire only lasts 2 seconds. But the eagle goes to step on a floor panel. The fire spews out again! The eagle returns.

(Mialee rolls 23 on perception)

Mialee says, "A switch?" as she presses an off-color brick. She sends the eagle to try the pressure plate again and... no fire.

  "That was convenient, Though I wonder if the rest of what they have waiting for us will go so well... On that note, have fun going first you guys!"  Oh Kyle, you are so not as good a team player in this reality.

  Chekin looks to Mialee, "I think perhaps I should stay in front of you, even if your bird is not as much at risk."

"Mittens is once again proven correct," the highly intelligent kitty boasts, "Though that as disconcerting.  Let's uh...  I don't know...  Put pressure on every possible surface as we sloowly proceed.  Who knew adventure could be so tedious?"

She'll begin to employ her strategy using conjurations and mage hand to try and trigger traps as she inches forward.

"Tell me about it," Kevin said as he pushes forward a bit himself.  "Remind me to get one of those ten foor poles for occasions like this."

The next trap to be detected is an electric floor. Anything touching that floor gets zapped with enough voltage that it's visible.

(Perception checks to find the switch for this one. DC 15)

    Kyle alas, is running into a problem may Rogues deal with constantly.  Just because you have a good thievery skill, does not mean you will even have a chance to use it.

  Chekin shrugs.  "A stick would have burned in that last trap, wouldn't it? I could possibly jump over."

"I got nothing," Mit says, repeatedly sending various little conjured plushies and sock puppets to their electric doom on the trap, "Unless there's an off switch, we'll just have to hope our healer is a good jumper.  Or someone else a good tosser."

Kevin thinks to himself. 'Sheesh, first day in, and already, I'm looking to spend coin I don't yet have. Such is the lot of the blundering novice.' He just smiles regardless. "Did anyone turn that electrified plate off yet?"

  "Sadly, I think a fox is harder to throw than a spear."  but if you ask real nice, Chekin might try.

  Kyle busies himself disableing the flamethrower trap they have already passed by in the meantime.

Kevin gulps.  And those close by can see a sweat drop large enough to fill a Double Gulp.

A Mon Calamari appears in Mittens' mind to advise her.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rtOX...qd6WY/s1600/trap.jpg

http://imghumour.com/assets/Uploads/Its-a-Trap2.jpg

http://laughingsquid.com/wp-co...-20100127-143341.jpg

A switch can be heard going off and Mialee smiles. "Yes." Another trap averted, the group is able to move on. Another turn and the group can see what looks like another blowtorch trap.

But Kevin is able to find the switch readily enough this time, allowing the group to proceed. Eventually, the group finds a door instead of another trapped corner to round.

By now Kevin's eyes were adjusting to the darkness of the lair, just enough for his natural low-light vision to spot that switch, he points it out to the party for them to deal with it.

At the door, Mits does what she usually does when confronted with a door.  Knock Listen with her ear against it!

Mittens is able to hear a bunch of kobold-like voices speaking in draconic to each other. It seems kind of relaxed and even has the occasional light laughter.

  Kyle sorts through his lock picks and crowbar (totally counts as a form of lockpick) as Mittens Listens.  "Anyone plotting our death in a language we don't understand?"

  Chekin checks his Chatkchas.  What is a Chatkcha?  They are a hell of a lot cooler than shuriken is what they are.

Kevin nods, and takes his usual position in the back, prepared to assist when needed.

"Didn't we have a dragonborn with us?" Mittens asks rhetorically, "Oh well.  They're speaking draconic.  They sound kind of relaxed and even have the occasional light laughter.  I'm guessing they haven't a clue we're about to slaughter their sorry scaly se... erm... politely ask them to stop being murderous bandits.  Then violently defend ourselves when they inevitably try to kill us."

She tries the door.

Kevin had to chuckle at that. 'Well, it's going to get dragged down into violence anyway,' he thinks.  'Might as well make light of it.'

Lamron says quietly, "I'm here, my flaming friend. Just be sure you don't alert the kobolds to our presence. Although, perhaps I could teach one of you a phrase in draconic to fool them into thinking we are friends..." he's looking at Chekin. After all, if anyone has a voice similar to a kobold in this group, it's the overgrown insect.

Mialee watches the group, then looks for a keyhole or similar on the door to look through.

  Kyle mentions, "If I can turn off a flamethrower, I can probably deal with a lock if we just want to open it up without asking nicely and hoping they answer the door."

  Chekin would have thought the big draconic person who speaks that language would sound more like a little draconic person. But then what does Chekin know?

Mittens learns that the door is unlocked.  Then hears that Lamron wants her to not let the enemy know the heroes are upon them.  So she caaarefully untwists the knob back to the way it was.

"So...  What's the plan now?" Mits whispers.

"I'm open to suggestions here.  I wouldn't know if these kobolds will be hostile if we would, say, barge on in...and did they just hear that twist of that door knob?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

Lamron sees the door was open and ohs. "....of course, no reason to mislead them if the door is unlocked. They will wonder why we don't just barge in. So... I guess we enter?"

Mialee nodnods and motions for Mittens to go ahead in.

Mits nods and steps into the room.

  If hostilities (of the physical, as opposed to verbal) variety turn up from Mittens's entrance, Chekin will... oh, right.  Kitty wants explosions before he can stab people.

  Hopefully the explosions happen soon...  Wow, you find yourself wishing for strange things in this business.

OOC: Chekin Initiative: 15.4
Kyle initiative: 11.4

Kevin saw the creatures on the other side of the door--a quintet of Kobolds--and stood at the ready, preparing to toss a healing word on the first person who needs it.

---

Kevin rolls 16 on Initiative.  He readies a Healing Word for the first ally who gets more than a healing surge worth of damage.

  Chekin steps up beside the cat, and asks "So, who was winning?"

  Kyle facepalms, but sticks by Kevin for the moment.

---

Chekin readied: Grapple strike if anyone enters melee range.

Kyle readied action:  Executioner's noose (range 5) if anyone hostile enters range.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:52, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

{As a free action,} Kevin facefaults.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 06:54, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

Mialee had sent her eagle to be between Mittens and the kobolds.

As the team enters the room, there are 4 kobolds playing a game of cards and they are relaxed. Off behind one of them is another kobold, holding a cello made for his size. He is playing it well and playing classical music for them as they play. He's into it as well, his eyes closed as he sways and slowly moves his head from side to side.

One of the players at the table notices the group and says, "Ah. Adventurers? Please be comfortable. This round is almost over. You can join the game next round if you like?"

A different kobold raises a hand. "I was winning... since you asked."

  Kyle somehow gets the feeling that just maybe, Mittens won't be exploding these Kobolds at the moment.  If only the rest of the ones they had met were as (apparently) reasonable.

Kevin blinks a bit as he gets back up, seeing that the Kobolds aren't going for the weapons the moment adventurers show up, but kept on playing their card game, and even invited the party to join them. "You know," he thinks out loud, "This might be a refreshing change of pace than the usual..."

Kevin notices the monicle and goatee on one of the Kobolds.

"This will end in tears."

The kobold with his back facing the team turns to look at them, holding a monocle up to his eye. "I do say... I do not believe I have ever seen such a motley crew."

Lamron is left speechless.

The other kobolds continue the game.

Mialee is confused. "I... uh... think they said we could play?"

"Introductions!" Mittens says, "You are right in guessing we are adventurers..."

She gives her name and the names of her allies.

"While I appreciate the invitation, we didn't come here to play cards.  We came because we were hired to investigate the recent deadly ambushes on the road by kobolds.  The guy upstairs said that you all were responsible for the deaths of the merchants."

Kevin moves up and acts like he's willing to join in.  "Although if you have a reason to do so, we'll be glad to hear you out.  Any encounter that can be resolved without violence can't be bad."

  Chekin says to Mialee, "Yes small one, these lands are completely bonkers."  nobody can seem to make up their mind if they want to kill you or not, of if they want to kill enemies or not, it's enough to drive you bughouse... We're sorry.

The one who greeted the group says, "Ah. Yes. Well whoever told you that doesn't speak for all of us. See, WE just sit here and enjoy the pleasures of life. We're not causing any trouble."

The other kobold says, "Heh... might have been Kultran. Sounds like something he'd say just to seem bigger and scarier than he really is."

  Kyle steps into the room, and asks "I do not suppose you are aware of who is targeting the merchant caravans then?"  At this point, just assuming it was the Goblins might not be the best idea.

The one with the monocle says, "I... do not know, honestly."

The one next to him says, "Read 'em and weap. I win." as he lays down a royal straight flush.

The other kobolds jaw-drop.

Mialee asks, "Perhaps... show us your leader?"

The kobolds point to a wall. "Secret door."

"Mittens is also wondering about the other murderous kobolds near the entrance that tried to murder us, but secret door works."

She heads over to it, careful for traps.  She tries the door.

"You have our thanks," Kevin replies. "We won't bother you any more than necessary then."

And with that, he follows the group toward the secret door.

  Chekin follows behind Mittens, and says to the Kobolds "Thank you, I guess.  I am not very good with social situations in these lands."

  Kyle sticks by the little (compared to the rest of them) Elf for the moment.

The secret doors lead to a staircase that leads up to the left and down to the right. While the up direction seems to ascend into darkness, the down direction seems to lead to a grassy outdoors.

Mialee smiles over and up at Kyle.

"Up, right?" Mittens calls back to the kobolds, expecting a trap at any moment.

Kevin tried to look beyond the secret door, but the light in the room he's in didn't help matters.

  Hey, someone has to look out for the Elf when it is a completely safe situation (much to one's surprise), may as well be the Assassin.  "At least the downstairs is more pleasant looking than the hall full of death.  But Kobolds don't exactly need the amount of lighting some of us do so it might be nice upstairs too."

  "If you fall into a trap on the way cat, scream loudly and the ones with bad eyes may notice." That would be... Wait, Kyle is the only one (aside from Lamaron) without Low-Light vision.

Mialee peeks around and says, "Maybe... look outside? It is close. Then, if nothing, we look up the stairs?"

"Sure!" Mits leads the way out to the grassy gnoll.

Kevin follows suit, careful to follow Mitten's direct path.  Wouldn't do to accidentially trip anything because he wasn't cautious enough.

  The assassin and bugman follow along, because it beats wandering off on their own doesn't it?

The group sees a garden enclosed by walls. To Mittens' left (East) is a door. A blue dragon sits next to a pond and looks over at Mittens.

Kevin was awestruck at the garden.  "This is just like back home" Kevin said with a cheesy smile.

Mittens is trying not to show her being intimidated by a dragon that looks like it should be able to kill her entire team in 10 seconds flat.  She smiles and waves.

"Ohai!  Mittens here!  Nice garden!"

  Kyle is having a less exciting (though less in range of breath weapons?) time at the back, and comments "That's probably their boss then.  Unless you think the Dragon is working for a Kobold."  Well, if it was May that could be likely.

  "Is a garden in a tunnel strange?  I am still getting used to plant life being common."

Mialee comes up near Mittens and her eagle takes point. "Oh..." she says in awe, holding her hand to her mouth, eyes going wide at the sight of a dragon.

The dragon turns to look at the adventurers. In a low-pitch voice that rumbles the ground the team is standing on, the dragon speaks, "Why thank you. I don't suppose you all planned to face me in combat and persuade me of your way of thinking by swinging at me with sticks and sharpened tools?"

Kevin's reverie over the fragrant garden was cut off abruptly when he saw that dragon.  Nodoby new the language of what spilled out of his mouth, but if the rest of the party would listen in the right way, it might involve dropping loads.

"You're welcome!" Mittens answers, trying to figure out how to answer the dragon's question.

"Um...."

Social encounter.  She knows she is lacking in the charisma and diplomacy.  Time to pass the buck delegate.  She motions at Kevin and Mialee.

"Adorable Elf and Fluffy Fox!"

  Kyle facepalms behind everyone else, until now he never imagined facepaling with a dragon less than 100 feet away.

  Chekin looks to Mittens, and says "Yes, they are.  You are also fluffy, the Dragon can figure this out."

Kevin does his second face fault in the dungeon.  Two in so little time and the second one in front of a dragon no less.  This does not bode well.

Mialee says, "N..n..no? I think we are here to stop... violence? People are being hurt and killed. Yes?"

The dragon says, "Oh. How sad."

He looks at the facepalmers. "Something you face-covering folks wish to add? Is my majesty more than your eyes can see or mind can fathom? Or are you mocking me?"

"Neither, I'm afraid to say," Kevin said.  "We're just reacting to one of our teammates. There's an idiot ball bouncing around here and I'm trying to avoid getting hit by it."

"Keepyourmouthshut Keepyourmouthshut Keepyourmouthshut," Mittens reminds herself internally, trying to hold in her silliness.

She conjures up some magical sparkles!  "Magi-sty!"

Kevin looks up to see the cantrip at work.  Something connects with his subconscious, and a stray thought passes his mind:  "Could that be something I could do myself?"

  "No, was just hoping my first meeting with a Dragon would have more dignity involved on our end."  At least nobody is falling on their oh wait no.  Fox sterotypes to cross off, gracefulness.

  "Kyle may not be as smart as he thinks he is, but he's not dumb enough to mock a dragon.  I think.  I find myself learning something new every day."

Lamron says, "So... perhaps your majestic magnificence could consider no longer attacking the people of yon fine human village, not but a few miles from here?"

The dragon says, "It takes courage to come here and talk to me like this. Admirable." he stretches (purposefully showing off his 8-inch talons) and yawns (showing off his 6-inch teeth). "Very well. Amuse me and I will bother someone else."

Mialee blushes. But, hey, she feels like she's pretty much been designated by the group as the negotiator. So she starts to daintily wander into the garden and dance, singing a song in elvish. Those who understand the language can understand the song is about an ancient exchange between Corellon and Io. Her moves are beautiful, fluid and enchanting. Her voice isn't as captivating as her fluid movements, but it is still a pretty singing voice sung in a haunting elvish tune.

The dragon seems to be watching her intently, but raises an eyebrow.

Mits adds flowers and butterflies.  What?  The dragon apparently likes these things.

Kevin is visibily more enchanted by the song, dance, and butterflies than the dragon, his mind going back to his childhood in the coven, which is surrounded by gardens like this.  He'd probably be joining in, and something in his heart wanted to, but his fellow monks--his parents--would've frown on it.

  Chekin meanwhile has no idea what the song is about, but at least the little Elf seems to be doing allright.

  Kyle has very little options in the way of entertainment.  He does have some shadow tricks at least though.  He peeks over Mittens's shoulder... From out of her shadow on the wall.

OOC: taking creative liberties with Kyle's shadow teleport.

When Mialee is done, the dragon says, "Pretty." then looks at the others. He looks at Mittens. "I see you are as smart as they say wizards are... you and your elf have entertained me." he then looks at the other four. "Your turns."

Lamron ulps and proceeds to sing that same song he was singing back at the tavern when the group first met him. After that song is done, the dragon looks at the others, waiting expectantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:08, Wed 12 Feb 2014.

Kevin was so awestruck at the scene that he wasn't aware that the dragon had spoken to him.  He just stood there with a sheepish grin on his face.

Mits finds the Fox amusing and giggles at his grin.  She can't wait to see what the other two do now.

  Chekin shrugs with all four arms, "I suppose such an act will be rather boring by comparison, but then some people love sharp objects no matter the situation."  The Thr-Kreen pulls out a stack of Chatkchas, and ends up juggling probably a dozen bug race styled giant shuriken.  Good thing He's a /Dex build fighter.

  Kyle steps through the wall behind Mittens, pops out behind Kevin, and waves a hand in front of the Fox's face.  "Hey, could you toss one of these over here?"  Chekin tosses a Chatcka behind his shoulder, and Kyle catches it in front of Kevin's face.

  Maybe this will wake them up?

If the impact of Chatcka on his face didn't wake him up, the image of a perfectly-balanced shuriken on his cold wet nose certainly did.  Kevin goes "Gyaaaaa!" as he flails about, somehow keeping the Chatkcha balanced on his nose in the panic, even to the point of nearly falling on the ground.!

The dragon laughs! "You bunch surely have entertained me! Very well. I shall stop pestering the town."

He licks his maw and eyes Mialee. "But I think I'd like to keep the elf." his slitted pupils widening.

Mittens couldn't help but bust out laughing at Kevin's antics.  To the dragon she answers, "Can't blame you there.  I wanna keep her too."

Kevin blinks back to reality long enough for him to realize that the dragon wants to 'keep' Mialee.  Part of him would want to go "We can't have that," the rest just knew that whatever or not he'll say it, things are goign to get violent, and this lovely garden is going to get scorched, or something worse.

He sighed, stepped back, and prepared for whatever comes next.

  More things Kyle did not expect in the vicinity of a dragon, having an incredulous look on his face.  He turns to Meilee, "I am expecting likelihood of you agreeing to this to be rather low."

  Chekin asks Kyle, "Is this where the phrase in these lands, we are not being paid enough for this, comes from?"

Kevin turns to Chekin.  "I don't think there's enough gold in his world for the required pay for this."

Mialee says, "I-if... if this is the only way to r-rescue... the humans... in the town... I will st-stay..."

The dragon laughs! "Excellent! Do not worry... I will free you when I have had my fun."

Lamron looks worried at first, but... the dragon said he'd free her?

"If by that you mean, 'Enjoy watching her dance a little more,'" Mittens says, "Very courageous of you, Mialee.  But I'm doubtful this dragon will keep it's word on any of it's agreements seeing as it has already tacked on an additional condition after the fact."

'For how long would that be, pray tell?' Kevin thinks.



"Ahem, besides," Kevin added, "Some of us like seeing her singe and dance as well.  I mean, {ahem} I liked her performance as well."

  "I can't decide if you are being really naive, or far more professional about getting the job done than I could be."

  "As much as I like the small one, I do not think the dragon cares how worthwhile it's credentials are."

The dragon waves a hand. "I did not tack on any new conditions. I merely said I'd like to keep the elf. Go. The town will be left alone."

Mialee lets out a huge sigh of relief, wobbles and faints.

Kevin catches Mialee in his arms as she faints.  "Do you promise that you will not harm her in your care?"

"Dunno why you'd ask that," Mittens says, "He told us to go.  Which includes her.  So let's go."

She reaches to tug on Kevin.

Unfortunately, what she tugged at is Kevin's brushy tail.  Kevin goes "EEEEEP!" as Mialee slipped from her hands and onto the ground, gently given Kevin's robes.

  "Thank you then, for your time."  Oh good, Kyle is managing some manners despite the 8 Charisma.  He turns to Mittens, and asks "Wanna help me with her, I already feel bad enough as it is without risking dropping her on the stairs on the way out."

  Chekin simply follows after wordlessly.

Mialee is unconscious. She is unable to move on her own until she wakes from fainting.

The dragon lays his head down, but keeps his eyes on the team, a smile clearly on his face.

Mits nods to Kyle and helps with getting the elf girl outta there.  She keeps an eye on the dragon for signs that it'll attack, but keeps her thoughts to herself.

Kevin does the same, not even turning his back on the dragon as he backs away.

  Kyle is a bit busy helping Mittens with Mialee to stare at the smug dragon.

  Chekin wonders if later they can find some pointers on how to make tunnels as nice as these ones.

Time SKIP! The group makes it out of the caves fine and Mialee wakes up. She follows the others back to town, where the bartender is waiting for them. "Any luck?" the guy asks.

Mittens displays the dead kobold.

"Yup!  Mission One accomplished!"

Kevin is too busy making sure that Mialee is all right, even to the point of checking for concussions.  He holds out a couple fingers.  "How many fingers am I holding up, Mialee?"

  Kyle is wondering just how ready he is to work with others, if it means nearly having them stuck as a novelty object for a dragon.

  Chekin has replaced his cloak and dust filter mask now that they are heading back into what counts as civilization in these crazy lands, where things can't make up their mind if they want to kill you or not.

Mialee answers Kevin. "...Four?"

The bartender smiles and says, "Great! Well go on ahead to the mayor, then. He'll get you the reward money."

Kevin just sighs at Mialee's remark.  "We might need to rest a little while, folks.  Mialee here's still shaken up."

"Woot!  Loot!" Mits chimes happily.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, Mialee."

She heads for the Mayor's office as directed.

Kevin follows along, hoping to be close enough to Mialee if she faints again.

  "That is the opposite of resting Mittens, unless they keep us waiting for a while like a lot of political figures do."

  "It is no wonder hardly anything gets solved without complete strangers then."

When the group arrives at the mayor's office, the Mayor asks for proof of deeds done. Retro-actively, the dragon gave the group something that would convince the mayor. So the mayor pays the bunch.

Mialee smiles and says, "I know there is still the goblins... but can we celebrate? I like to rest."

Later on, the group makes it to the tavern. Mialee smiles and seems to just enjoy the company of her new friends. There are other adventurers present in the tavern, however.

(OOC: This is where we can switch out our team members as desired)

Slight Pause to restock Kevin's adventuring kits

---

20 GP gained

Purchased: 2 Sun Rods and a 10-foot pole for 5 GP total

Running GP total:  48

Mits is seated with Mialee and nods to her.  "Celebrate sounds good.  But you don't want me to sing.  Trust me.  So you'll have to be the one singing."

A hooded figure nearby, clearly fox-like judging from the muzzle, takes note of Kevin and the others and simply waves.

  Kyle nods,  "You deserve some rest after what happened back there.  I shouldn't have let any of you walk into a situation like that."

  Chekin says to Kyle, "You still worrying that you will never be that whole 'professional' thing?"

  Somewhat nearby drinking is another... Dragonborn?  His features are a bit more serpentine than the average dragonborn.  Having actual, if small, wings is also an uncommon sight before Paragon paths kick in.  He looks over, and sees Lamron, and nods.

Mialee smiles softly at her friends. "Thank you... friends."

Lamron looks to the other D-born and stands up! "Rhagar the rigorous! It has been what now? A month? How was your trip to the Alligator Swamp?" he walks over to the D-born.

Just then, a female elf RUNS in at blinding speeds, causing a blur, and stops suddenly behind Mialee. "Mialee!" the thin elf says, her words going at speeds most wouldn't think possible, "Ohmigosh I can't believe it I've been searching for you all over the place I need you back at the village andohmy are these friends of yours?!"

Off in a corner, a halfling gal watches the group with fascination.

Mialee ohs and turns to hug the thin elf. "Keyleth... yes. These are my friends." she proceeds to introduce her friends, also thumbing at Lamron, but the guy is busy greeting Rhagar.

Kevin could detect another fox's presence by the sniff of his nose, even though it was busy with the smell of that savory dinner he's eating.  He didn't reveal his own presence until the female elf just rushes Mialee!  That's when he gulps a bit and turns, showing his fussy face (and the tip of his tail) to the others.

"Er...Hi!" Kevin replied, scratching his head over the hood of his robe, which he pulls down revealing his head.

Joey also pulls back his hood and his fox features are illuminated in the sunbeam he's sitting in, giving him an almost angelic glow.  He kisses the holy symbol of Pelor hanging about his neck and mutters a prayer.

"Nicetomeetcha,Kayleth," Mittens says with a smile and wave, "MynameisMittens!  I'maswordwizard."

Kevin nods to the other fox with a smile.  "Hail and Well Met, fellow fox.  My name's Kevin."

  Chekin watches the exchange between the furry faithful ones, and asks Kyle "Is it normal for people to put their mouths on the symbol of their gods here?"

  "Not that I know of."  He says, as the speedy one scampers in like a Micromachines commercial.  "Hello Keyleth, what seems to be the problem at your villaige?"

  Meanwhile, Rhagar answers Lamron "Damp.  The rumors of a gold haired Kobold the size of a bear did not seem to be true." Rhagar totally did not get lost in the swamp for a month, that would be crazy.  Unrelated, it is a good thing his trained Bluff skill is much higher than his untrained Nature skill.  No reason, just saying.

  "I hope things have been well for you." People like Lamron, he's a proper Dragonborn.  Rhagar may have a high Charisma score, but even his 9 Int can pick up that sometimes, being a double dose of White Dragon themed and 'Those Evil dragon men from Dragonlance' themed can be be awkward.

OOC: Oh god, I'm playing three characters.  *head explodes*
Also, What the hell Game Makers.  You patch in "You can sneak attack with short bow"...  but Don't give short bow proficiency, or allow short bow to be used with any Rogue attacks? So confused.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Sat 15 Feb 2014.

Kevin shrugs.  "It's probably a fox thing.  I'm glad that Pelor understands."  And he kisses his own holy symbol for illustration.

Keyleth grins and says, "PleasedtomeetyouMittens! I'madruid!"

Even as she says this, she hops and twirls her arms in a martial arts pose. (At the 3:15 mark of this vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldV0wawPDM )

She turns her attention to the others and says, "I've been allovertheplace and according to my numbers, about seven outta ten holytypes will kiss their holy symbols! Notjustafoxthing."

Mialee says, "This is Mittens, as she just said. This is Kevin. And over here is Checkin'. And Kyle. And Lamron." she, of course, points to the people as she indicates them.

Continuing in her fast-talk that normal folk can barely keep up with, Keyleth says, "Ah. Nicetameetchya! As for what's wrong in my village? Wellyousee there's a bit of an internal debate, andasourshaman, Mialee has been called for to settle the dispute."

The halfling in the corner just keeps an eye on the group.

Kevin just blinks as Keyleth is speaking, for all he knows Keyleth's words just zipped through his ears without allowing his brain to process them.  It took him a while to respond.  "Ooooo-kay, your village is having an internal debate and Mia here needs to be the ref.  I hope I got that right."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Wed 19 Feb 2014.

  Elsewhere, Eletor gets the sense he is part of some kind of 30% category.

  Kyle says "Well, it would hardly be fair to keep you away from your own home in need after going through the effort for someone else's Mialee."

  "Unless they cast her out for some reason, then they would deserve their problems."  Chekin isn't biased on that subject, nooo.  That would be crazy.

  Rhagar may not be the best at counting numbers that do not involve money, food, or stabbings... Honestly, his player is barely awake and forgets the reasoning he was headed for.  But he notices the lurking Halfling, and comments "Used to more boring tavern visits?"

OOC: Brainfailing on Kyle stepping out reasons still bluuuuh.  I will quite possibly literally explode if I have to keep running three characters, nevermind wanting to make room for other people's alts without inflating party size.

Mits sweatdrops at the druid-fu of the skinny fast-talking elf.

"My adventure sense is tingling," she says, "And it's telling me to hit the road.  T'was fun, everyone.  But I must be moving on.  If the direction I'm headed just so happens to be the same as your village, I'll be happy to accompany you that far."

She heads for the door.  Meanwhile Joey smiles and approaches Kevin.

"Well met, indeed, Honored of Pelor.  My name is Joey."

"Indeed, please to meet you," Kevin says.  "What brings you to these parts of the Realm?"

The halfling nods in response to Rhagar. "I heard this town was having some issues with goblins and kobolds. Then you guys show up having already dealt with the kobold issue."

Keyleth nods to Kevin. "Absolutelypositively!Yougotitright!"

Mialee calls out to Mittens, "Mittens! What about the goblin problem?" she starts heading for the door.

Keyleth says, "Let your friends sort that out. C'mon, Mialee. The longer you linger, the more tempers will flare."

Mialee looks over her shoulder at the others and gives a nervous smile and wiggles her fingers in a girly-wave. "I see you again some day. You all are... wonderful."

Kevin waves back.  "As are you, Mia.  May we meet again."  His face turned melacony as he wates Mialee leave.  "I'm going to miss her."

  Kyle gets up to follow Mialee,  "Whether it is true or not, I feel that I owe you.  So I will come with you in case what problems need settling end up less subtle than an argument."  At her comments about Mittens, he says "Mittens probably thinks there is something more interesting to deal with.  Though if the others stick around, I am sure they can deal with the Goblins."

  Chekin shrugs,  "Clean up your job left half done?  Of course I shall, and never let you hear the end of it, Mister professional"

  Rhagar says "As long as the Goblins do not inexplicably live in a swap, I have nothing better to put my skills to at the moment." Well, nothing socially acceptable to at least.  "At least that much of what you intended to deal with remains." This last bit said to Helja.

"He's just jealous you get to do all the fun stuff," Mittens says to Kyle, exiting stage left, "Miss you too, Fox Face!"

Joey chuckles, watching them leave.  "What an interesting bunch.  I came because of the goblin problem.  I'm here to help solve it."

"In that case, we'll be happy to have you aboard," Kevin replies.  "I'll be your healer for this adventure, if you're so willing."

The various exiting characters exit; stage right. Mialee tries to hold conversation with Mittens and Kyle as she heads off, but Keyleth is hurrying the elf along.

Helja looks to the others. "My name's Helja. I'll lend you my aid if you will have me."

The halfling has a bow, quiver of arrows, and the usual adventuring gear. She has brown eyes, auburn hair and a beret on her head. Her outfit is mostly green. Two things stick out the most, however; Her bow is masterfully made, as if crafted by a master elven craftsman. Also, she has a cloak around her that almost seems fuzzy at its edges.

Kevin had to bend at his knees to talk to her, hoping that he isn't being too presumptous at this.  "We're happy to have you too. We can always use some arial support." He then tilts his head in a humorous expression.  "Arial Support, now where have I heard that from?"

  Chekin's player approves of what Helja's assumed equipment is.  Chekin meanwhile, has a good feeling about her in general, "You have the look of a Hunter, that is always welcome."

  Rhagar would make some comment regarding aerial support qualifications, but his Wings don't work that well.  Stupid lazy developers, he can use a short bow for sneak attacks but isn't proficient and can't use Rogue powers with one.

Joey smiles and bows politely to Kevin.  He then addresses the little sniper.

"Nice to meet you, Helja.  My name is Joey."

He looks at the other two.  "What are your names?"

Kevin returns the bow and lets the other two introduce themselves.

Helja fondles an arrow. With arrow in hand (But NOT notched in the bow), Helja points at Chekin with her arrow. "Chekin." then at Rhagar "Rhagar." What? She's been paying attention, so she learned everyone's names.

Helja looks up at Kevin. Then around at Joey and the others and smiles. "Thanks for being so welcoming. I'm good to go if you all are." She stays seated, waiting to see if the others are ready.

Kevin just smiles back at Helja and lets his tail wag a bit.

  Chekin nods,  Rhagar says "Attention to detail does help in this line of work, so good to see you have that covered."   Rhagar pays his bar tab, "Okay, now I'm ready."

  "I wonder if we will have to smash several unreasonable goblins before finding reasonable ones?  Nothing in these lands can seem to make up it's mind about wanting to kill or not."

"Yes, let's get started," Joey agrees.

He already paid for his drink so he heads for the door.

"Same here" Kevin replies as he tosses his own ooin at the counter.

Fast forwarding a bit, the group is soon at the area where the town claimed the goblins were living. This place also looks like some kind of cave settlement. But in front of it is an entire camp of goblins.

  "It looks like there are more Goblins than there were Kobolds.  Did you still intend to announce your presence while admonishing their ways first thing?"  All this 'warning the hostile tribes first' stuff is crazy talk to Chekin, but he's not going to rush in stabbing things unless that's the accepted mentality.

  "I don't exactly read or write Goblin, so even if I did sneak in and poke around at night I don't know how much I would find out."

Kevin had a confused expression.  "Since when did admonishing a goblin of its evil ways ever worked? If only there were other ways to do this non-violently without looking like an idiot."

"Yes," Joey answers Chekkin, "And I'll be surprised if none of them speak Common.  It's very rare that I encounter a sentient who does not.  Just to be clear, it's not because I expect a diplomatic solution to be accepted that I offer one, rather that one is offered at all that is important to me.  I am willing to speak for the group if no one else wants to.  Though I tend to be less verbally persuasive than my more charismatic brethren."

He looks over at Kevin with a smile of admiration.

Helja shrugs. "Go ahead, Foxtrot." she answers Joey, "I'll be hiding in the trees..."

As the group approaches, the goblins stop talking and look over at them. What looks to be the goblin in charge of this bunch screams like a heavy metal singer, "HAAAAAALT! YOU TRESSPASS! WHAT DO YOU WAAAAAANT?!?!?!!!!!" He twirls his head around as if he WERE a metal singer with long hair.... but he doesn't have the hair.

The other goblins chant "AROOGA!" as if cheering their leader on.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Mon 24 Feb 2014.

  Rhagar joins Helja in the sneaky sneaks.  Not literally, the Halfling deserves her own tree.  He totally cheats by quietly flapping his way up (Look he'll learn to climb good because his Charisma is high in a couple levels, okay).

  Chekin stays closer to the Godly one sticking his face out into possible violence.  Better for him to be close when if this goes downhill.

Kevin couldn't say a word.  He just stood there dumbfounded, just wondering just what the fates just put him through.  He only mutters something about a guy named David and how the DM might be off his or her medications.

Joey is very surprised by the welcome offered and lifts his hand in greeting.

"Greetings.  My name is Joey, priest of Pelor.  I am here representing the nearby town.  They have a grievance.  Goblins have been killing and raiding travelers to and from the town.  This must stop."

The goblin leader screams, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" His followers hoot and holler. The leader then continues, "You DARE presume to tell the poison tooth tribe what to do?! Who made YOU our king?!"

Helja is careful to get a clearer view by getting closer. She leaps effortlessly from one tree limb to another and another, moving with about as much sound as a squirrel. The goblins don't notice.

---

Helja Stealth check: 19
Helja Athletics check: 28 (30 if it's acrobatics)

  Chekin looks to Joey, and asks "When did you find the time to lead this tribe?  It must have been recent."

  Rhagar just stays put.  It might not be fancy, but it works for now.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:15, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

Kevin just sighs and shrugs his shoulders as he steels himself for battle, moving up so he can be of use when the need for his skills comes.

"I see you wish not to be reasoned with."

Joey draws a wicked looking scythe decorated with blood stones.  Bracing himself and gritting his teeth, the weapon begins to glow red.  He begins with a low growl which smowballs into primal ROAR!  His hair stands on end, and his wild eyes turn bloodshot.

"THEN AS PELOR AS MY WITNESS YE SHALL SEE JUSTICE FOR YOUR EVIL DEEDS!"

  Of course the shifter is ready to bite faces off with the crazy eyes (not that he can see the crazy eyes from his hiding spot).

  When one of the Goblins inevitably rushes his recent acquaintances, Rhagar hurls his dagger at their goblin skull, burring itself to the hilt in it's ear.  <goblin>"My brain tickles."</goblin>

  Rhagar has no idea what the goblin just said as his magic dagger reappears in his hand, but he knows that just totally gave himself away to the rest of the angry midgets.

---

Readied: Sly flourish.  Hits.  13 + 11 = 24 DMG.  No longer hidden.

Warrior 4 HP: 29-24= 5/29  Bloodied

Rhagar HP: 30/30 S 7, V 7. AP 1
This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

One of the goblins is so roweled up, he just charges Joey! Only to feel something slice into his ear. "OOOOOOWWwww!" he says, swinging wildly and failing to even come close to hitting Joey.

Meanwhile, a goblin sneaks up behind Checkin in order to provide some decent distraction for his buddy who goes to Checkin's face and stabs him in the arm!

Then one of the goblins in the back pulls a crossbow and shoots at Rhagar. The arrow lands in the tree, just a foot from Rhagar.

---

Warrior 4 attacks, gets hit by Rhagar's readied attack, then misses his own attack.
Cutter 2 double moves. Cutter 3 moves and attacks Checkin. Hits for 5 damage because CA.
Sharpshooter attacks Rhagar and misses.

Warrior 4 HP: 29 - 24 = 5
Checkin HP: 34 - 5 = 29

Kevin had to take a half-step back to avoid getting his own fur 'fluffed' by what Joey did.  "Whoa!  I didn't know you were packing that!"



"Why is _that_ not surprising," Kevin said, continuing his deadpan commentary.  Even as he moved around to target a full-strength Goblin with a Sacred Flame and misses.

---

Shift 1 and attacks Goblin Cutter 2 with a Sacred Flame.  Attacked for 7 vs Reflex, which is a miss.

Helja fires a shot from her bow and the arrow whizzes JUST past the warrior, landing in the ground! Another goblin rushes up to Checkin and stabs at him, hitting only armor.

---

Helja Hunter's Teamwork v Warrior 4. Miss(16) just barely.
Cutter v Checkin. Miss horribly.

  Chekin clacks his mandibles as he backhands the Warrior to his side out of the fight with his shield, and then grabs the two cutters on front of him by the face with his lower limbs, bashing their heads together like Mortal Kombat Three Stooges.

  This causal display of combat prowess suffers some Dejavu, as some badass Thri-Kreen Claw action is followed up by a complete flop of an attack at the remaining enemy by him, his Tratnyr coming nowhere near the Goblin behind him.  <thri Kreen>Three out of four isn't bad, but somehow unsatisfying</thri Kreen> 

---

Minor: Racial ass kicking.  Hits Warrior 4, Cutter 3, Cutter 1.  Don't even need to roll DMG.
Standard: Cleave vs Cutter.  Miss.

Warrior 4 HP: Bonk.
Cutter 3 HP: Bonk.
Cutter 1 HP: Bonk.

Chekin HP: 29/34 S 10, V 8. AP 1
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

Joey begins to glow and steps forward among the goblins, their attacks just bouncing off a mysterious divine armor.  He raises up his staff and bellows,

"ANGELIC HOARDS COME FORTH!"

A squad of angel commandos descend in a sunbeam and begin hacking up the goblins!  Just as they vanish, the goblins reeling, a massive burst of energy explodes from the priest, blasting the goblins and sending their various bits flying back!

  Rhagar eyes the arrow in the tree, he forgets just which sharpshooter took the shot at him, but he sees only one still standing.  So sucks to be that goblin.  The Draconian Glides across the camp landing beside the archer, and swittly... Stabs them in the butt with his rapier.

  Cartoon physics seem to take over as they run screaming around the tents and come to a stop awkwardly near Joey.  Though Rhagar gets the feeling he is forgetting something important.

  Move: Fly!
 Action Point: Fly and land.
 Standard: Positioning Strike vs Sharpshooter, Hits.  12+14 DMG.  Slides target 4.
 Forgot To: Do Something.

   Sharpshooter HP: 31- Ninja Dragon=  5 HP 

The remaining cutter slices at Checkin and misses.
The remaining sharpshooter turns his attention on Joey, shoots a crossbow bolt at him, and HITS! He giggles with glee!

---

haha miss. Haha hit. dmg 6.
Joey HP: 28 - 6 = 22

Kevin was so impressed by the area-clearing attack Joey made that he almost didn't see that Cutter near Chekin.  Almost.

After actually hitting that goblin this time, he moves closer to Joey just in case.

---

Hits Goblin Cutter 2 and drops it.  (Minions cannot be bloodied so no penalty)  Chekin gains 3 THP